We're in the last two weeks of school, and my oldest students' review packet calls for them to do a bit of creative writing. I decided to tackle the prompts in an attempt to start writing again.
Warning: Flowery language ahead. Being surrounded by not-English makes me overcompensate with eloquence to an almost comical degree to make up for the simplistic language I use in and out of school.
The prompt: Describe a dolphin using these senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch)
*Note: I didn't completely fulfill the prompt, but I'm not taking an AP test so it's all good.
Nauseous from the boat tossing and turning in the rough waters of the sea, the ill feeling within my body was exacerbated by the hot and sour bile rising quickly through my esophagus. A cool spray of seawater eased my raging headache ever so slightly, until I was sickened once again by the taste and smell of salt and seaweed. Upon hearing someone cry "Dolphin!" I decided to tempt fate, and opened my eyes with the hope of catching sight of the majestic creature. Suddenly, the magnificent being leaped out of the water, its sleek grey skin still shiny with the water it had momentarily left behind. I reached out to touch it, but grasped only air. Its lithe body sliced gracefully back into the water, a kind soul slipped a trash can into my arms, and a wave of relief washed over me as my breakfast came pouring out.
The prompt: Write a detailed description. You may use one of these subjects, or you may choose your own subject. Write at least 5 sentences and at least 5 different details.
1. The zoo after closing time
The animals quietly unlock their cages. They creep stealthily into the pathways, meeting in the center of the zoo. With the clear, starry night above them, each species sends out its call. First, the mighty lions roar, followed by the howl of the moonlight-dappled elephants. Only the giraffes, regal and stalwart, remain silent.
*After writing this one I realized it was probably inspired by slipping through the cobblestone streets in Jerusalem on the way to the Kotel with friends one night in the fall of 2012.
2. Santa's toy workshop
Elves ran frantically from station to station as the bustling workshop readied itself for the Christmas season. Packages in all colors, shapes, and sizes were piled precariously in ceiling-high stacks.The room smelled of candy canes and gingerbread, with hot chocolate fumes wafting into the air. Every hour, Saint Nick would let out a hearty Ho! Ho! Ho!, signaling that it was time for the ten minute break. Mrs. Claus sailed through at that time with a plate of savory meats for each hardworking elf.
3. Filming a war movie
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Ping ping!" screamed the rifles, as thunder crashed and lightning flashed overhead. It was easy to forget that this was only fiction, and that in a matter of minutes, seconds even, all action would cease as suddenly as it began. On the shout of "Cut!", foes would become friends and brothers would reunite.
[*Weird tense change here*]
Grunting sighs of relief as they stripped off their packs and muddy outer layers, the men washed their hands and faces and readied themselves for lunch. The fully-functional mess hall had tables laden with tasty treats, and the actors began to eat, their chatter rumbling harmoniously throughout the elaborately decorated space.
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